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| Number 2 |
Ben Challum Blended Whisky (40%, Lambert Brothers The Munro's): nose: I feared it was going to be the same as the first one we had, but the nose, at least, is different. This is briny, and it is only the tiniest drop of honey and a minimal soft-wood influence that iare left to counter pickles, green olives and, well, brine. It also has some dust and some wood varnish, though they take a while to develop. Old cardboard boxes becomes more assertive and a growing floral touch appears, several minutes in, in the form of buttercups. In the end, however, the briny cardboard dominates, and, if I do not find it unpleasant, one has to not mind that. Mouth: dissonant with the nose, the palate has a pronounced sweetness not unlike Golden Syrup, yet also fierce ginger, which makes for an interesting combination. Stem ginger, one could call it. Strong peppermint is hot on their trail and, soon, it feels like drinking grenadine whilst sucking on a Fisherman's Friend. Most unusual. The second sip seems to incorporate the ginger more seamlessly, though that impression is fleeting: the heat comes back numbing the mouth once again. Some dry wood shows up, probably wooden palettes, as does pine resin. Finish: like Stob Coir' an Albannaich the other day, this is sweet and three quarters. However, that powerful gingery, peppermint-y heat from the palate is in the finish too, making the sweetness more tolerable. In the long run, we see toasted notes: aniseed, liquorice and black sesame seeds. All are under control and balanced. After a moment, cardboard re-appears. The mouth is left in the same state as after sucking on a Fisherman's Friend, or gargling strong Listerine: numb, refreshed, yet also bitter. 7/10 (Thanks for the dram, JS)
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